Drug suspect arrested; 28 kg of ketamine seized in Chiayi

2018/06/12 17:51:54

Image taken from Pixabay

Taipei, June 12 (CNA) A man suspected of supplying drugs to dealers was arrested in Chiayi recently and 28 kilograms of ketamine in his possession was seized, the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau (MJIB) said Tuesday.

The drugs, with an estimated street value of NT$22 million (US$750,200), were found in the suspect's car and his home during a raid carried out by a special task force, said Chu Chung-cheng (朱忠政), deputy head of the MJIB's Chiayi station.

Following up on a tipoff received earlier in the year, investigators learned that a crime ring was running a drug trafficking operation in Chiayi and Changhua counties, Chu said.

The suspect, identified only by the surname Lai (賴), allegedly was assigned to supply drug dealers after picking up the drugs at secret locations at amusement arcades, hot springs resorts and hotels, according to Chu.

Investigators learned that Lai had planned to make a drug drop in Chiayi earlier this month and they reported the case to the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, Chu said.

A special task force comprising Chiayi police and investigators from the MJIB's Chiayi, Changhua and Yunlin stations was assembled to deal with the case and Lai was arrested June 5 while traveling on Provincial Highway 82 to Chiayi, Chu said.

Five kilograms of ketamine was found in Lai's car, and another 23 kg, disguised as packets of coffee and tea, was seized at his home in Changhua, according to Chu.

Prosecutors have gained the court's permission to hold Lai in detention, Chu said, adding that the investigation will continue to find the ring leaders.